Versatile abdomen exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine applicable for strengthening a user&#39;s abdomen muscles is described. The exercise machine applicable can include a swivel joint assembly having a collar post perpendicularly coupled with a transverse bar in a rotatable manner around the transverse bar, a base assembly, a seat assembly, handle bar assembly and a leg support assembly to allow a user seated on the seat assembly to cause movement of the seat assembly for muscle exercises. The leg support assembly may be detachably affixed to either the front base frame or the seat assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the leg support assembly or separately from the leg support assembly. The handle bars may be detachably affixed to either the seat assembly or the base assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the handle assembly or separately from the handle assembly.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to physical training machines, and in particular, versatile exercise machines structured for exercising the abdominal muscles a user.

BACKGROUND

With the growing awareness of health problems caused by lack of exercises, popularity of exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, treadmills, rowing machines, step climbing machines, etc., has been continuously increasing. Typically, these machines are designed to focus movements of certain parts of the body. For example, abdomen machines may be structured to induce body exercises to strengthen abdominal muscles. Existing abdomen machines, however, are usually designed based on variations of sit-up exercises. Effective abdominal exercises may require a combination of movements involving muscles in different parts of the body including waist, legs, etc. Although there are also many exercise machines practical for exercising different parts of the body, these multipurpose exercise machines are usually heavy and expensive devices.

Therefore, traditional abdomen machines are not versatile, effective and economic.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

An exercise machine applicable for strengthening a user's abdominal muscles can include a swivel joint assembly having a collar post perpendicularly coupled with a transverse bar in a rotatable manner around the transverse bar, a base assembly, a seat assembly, handle bar assembly and a leg support assembly to allow a user seated on the seat assembly to cause movement of the seat assembly for muscle exercises. The base assembly can have a front base frame and a rear base frame pivotally coupled with each other via the transverse bar of the swivel joint assembly. The seat assembly may be rotationally attached to a top end of the collar post. In one embodiment, the collar post may provide an axial channel to allow rotational movement of the seat assembly around the axial channel. The leg support assembly may be detachably affixed to either the front base frame or the seat assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the leg support assembly or separately from the leg support assembly. The handle bars may be detachably affixed to either the seat assembly or the base assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the handle assembly or separately from the handle assembly.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of examples and not limitations in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of different configurations for an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly;

FIGS. 3A-3B show a first example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4B show a second example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5D show a third example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6D show a fourth example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7B show a first example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B show a second example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D show a third example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10D show a fourth example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11B show an example of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly with weight devices;

FIGS. 12A-12B show another example of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly with weight devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of external surfaces, named components, connections between components, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a block diagram in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Further specific numeric references such as first, second, third, etc., may be made. However, the specific numeric references should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted as references to different objects. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of different configurations for an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly. Referring to FIG. 1A, configuration 100A of an exercise machine (or device) can include seat assembly 101, base assembly 105, leg support assembly 103 and handle bars 129. Seat assembly 105 may include front base frame 135 and rear base frame 137. Front base frame 135 may be pivotally coupled with rear base frame 137 on a top portion of base assembly 105.

In one embodiment, seat assembly 101 may be movably coupled with the top portion of base assembly 105. Movement of seat assembly 101 on top of base assembly 105 may include rotating or swiveling in at least a three dimensional manner. Seat cushion 103 of seat assembly 101 can receive the sitting position of a user facing forward direction of the exercise machine.

A pair of handle bars 123 with hand grips 129 may be detachably affixed on both sides of seat assembly 101 to allow the user to rest both hands when sitting on seat cushion 103. Alternatively, handle bars 123 may be detachably affixed to base assembly via fixed handle stem 125 to allow the user to cause movement of seat assembly 101 without moving both hands grabbing handle bars 123.

Leg support assembly 103 may be detachably affixed to front base frame 135 via locking bracket 119 at the near end of leg support assembly 103 extending forwardly from base assembly 105. Seat assembly 101 may include locking bracket 121 to provide locking mechanism between seat assembly 101 and leg support assembly 103. Longitudinal length of leg support assembly 103 may be adjustable via adjustment knob 117 to accommodate different users. Leg support assembly 103 my include foot platform 107 at the far end to allow the user to rest both feet.

In one embodiment, foot restraint frame 111 may be pivotally coupled with foot platform 107 to allow forward or backward rotations around a transverse axis perpendicular to leg support frame 103, for example, via adjustment knob 115. Foot restraint sleeve may be transversely positioning along foot restraint frame 111.

Loading shaft 109 may be detachably affixed to foot platform 107 extending laterally on both sides of foot platform 107. Loading shaft 109 can carry or hold weight devices (e.g. solid body, sand bags etc.) as loading to pull down leg support assembly 103 forwardly, thus to increase the strength required by a user to cause movement of seat assembly 101. In one embodiment, foot platform 107 of leg support assembly 103 may be affixed with base assembly 105 in a grounded position.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, configuration 100B of an exercise machine may allow seat assembly 101 and leg support assembly 103 to move together without moving handle bars 123. Instead of being attached to seat assembly 101 via moving handle stems 131, handle bars 123 may be detachably affixed with base assembly 105 via fixed handle stems 125. In one embodiment, handle bars 123 may have a tube structure to receive fixed handle stems 125 (or moving handle stems 131). Removable fork pin 133 may be inserted into openings on handle bars 123 aligned with fixed handle stems 125 sliding in to securely affix handle bars 123 to base frame 105.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly as shown in FIGS. 1A or 1B. For example, seat assembly 101 may include seat plate 147 having a surface to secure seat cushion 103. Loading rod 149 may be disposed transversely at back end of seat assembly 101 to optionally receive loading shaft 109 for carrying loading or weight to pull down seat assembly 101 backward. Loading rod 155 may be disposed transversely at the tip or front end of foot platform 107 to optionally receive loading shaft 109 for carrying loading to pull down seat assembly 101 together with leg support assembly 103 forward.

In one embodiment, front base frame 135 and rear base frame 137 may be attached pivotally via transverse bar 143, for example, via T connectors 141, 139. Collar post 145 may be perpendicularly coupled with transverse bar 143 in a rotatable manner around transverse bar 143. Seat assembly 101 may be rotatably coupled over the top end of collar post 145 via a swivel joint mechanism to allow seat assembly 101 to rotate around an axis longitudinally along collar post 145. As a result, seat assembly 101 can rotate in a three dimensional manner around at least two perpendicular axes, a first one along collar post 145 and a second one along transverse bar 143. Other joint structures allowing three dimension movements may be applicable for coupling seat assembly 101 and based assembly 105.

In certain embodiments, leg support assembly 103 may include upper section 151 extendably coupled with lower section 153 at a lower end of upper section 151. Lower section 153 can have a series of longitudinally spaced apertures 157 to selectively engage upper section 151 at one of the apertures via a locking mechanism of adjustment knob 117. Thus, the longitudinal length of leg support assembly 103 may be adjustable via adjustment knob 117. Leg support assembly 103 may be affixed at an upper end of upper section 151 to either seat assembly 101 via locking bracket 121 or front base frame 135 via locking bracket 119. Seat assembly 101 may be detachably affixed to leg support assembly 103 longitudinally aligned via locking bracket 121.

FIGS. 3A-3B show a first example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, handle bars 123 may be affixed with base assembly 105 while seat assembly 101 may be attached with leg support assembly 103 as similarly shown in FIG. 1B. The user can grab handle bars 123 with both feet resting on foot platform 107 to lift or swing leg support assembly 103 with seat assembly 101 up and down.

FIGS. 4A-4B show a second example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1B and FIGS. 3A-3B, the user can shake leg support assembly 103 with seat assembly 101 from side to side.

FIGS. 5A-5D show a third example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1B, the user can move seat assembly 101 together with leg support assembly 103 in a clockwise circular motion.

FIGS. 6A-6D show a fourth example of an application of an exercise machine assembly with one configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1B, the user can move seat assembly 101 together with leg support assembly 103 in a counter clockwise circular motion.

FIGS. 7A-7B show a first example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, handle bars 123 may be affixed with seat assembly 101 to move together. Leg support assembly 103 may be affixed to base assembly 105 grounded (e.g. not movable) as similarly shown in FIG. 1A. The user can ride (e.g. by exercising muscles around the user's waist) seat assembly 101 and handle bar 123 together with both hands grabbing handle bar 123 and both feet fixedly resting on foot platform 107 of leg support assembly 103, such as moving or twisting seat assembly 101 up and down.

FIGS. 8A-8B show a second example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIGS. 7A-7B, the user can repetitively twisting seat assembly 101 with handle bars 123 from side to side (e.g. left to right or right to left).

FIGS. 9A-9D show a third example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A, the user can move seat assembly 101 together with handle bars 123 in a clockwise circular motion.

FIGS. 10A-10D show a fourth example of an application of an exercise machine with another configuration variation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1A, the user can move seat assembly 101 together with handle bars 123 in a counter clockwise circular motion.

FIGS. 11A-11B show an example of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly with weight devices. For example, in a configuration as similarly shown in FIG. 1B, weight device or loading 157 may be mounted to loading shaft 109 via a spring clip 159 at the tip of foot platform 107 of leg support assembly 103. As a result, the strength required to lift leg support assembly 103 may be increased to intensify the exercises.

FIGS. 12A-12B show another example of an embodiment of an exercise machine assembly with weight devices. For example, in a configuration as similarly shown in FIG. 1A, loading 157 may be mounted to loading shaft 109 at the back of seat assembly 101 to increase strength required to cause seat assembly 101 to move or twist.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine comprising: a base assembly having a front base frame and a rear base frame, the front base frame and the rear base frame pivotally coupled at a top portion of base assembly; a seat assembly rotationally attached to the top portion of the base assembly, the seat assembly rotatable around at least two intersecting axes in at least three dimensions; a leg support assembly detachably affixed to either the front base frame or the seat assembly, wherein when the leg support assembly is attached to the front base frame, the seat assembly moves separately from the leg support assembly, and wherein when the leg support assembly is attached to the seat assembly, the seat assembly moves together with the leg support assembly; and handle bars detachably affixed to either the seat assembly or the base assembly, wherein when the handle bars are affixed to the seat assembly, the seat assembly moves together with the handle bars, and wherein when the handle bars are affixed to the base assembly, the seat assembly moves separately from the handle bars, wherein a user seated on the seat assembly can cause movement of the seat assembly for muscle exercises.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising: loading bars detachably affixed to the seat assembly or the leg support assembly, the loading bars capable of holding loading devices to increase required strength for the user to cause the movement.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the seat assembly includes a rear transverse rod, wherein the leg support assembly includes a front transverse rod, wherein the loading bars are attachable to both ends of the rear transverse rod laterally to allow the loading device to pull down the seat assembly backwardly and where in the load bars are attachable to both ends of the front transverse rod laterally to allow the loading device to pull down the seat assembly forwardly.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly includes a pair of moving handle stems, wherein the base assembly includes a pair of fixed handle stems, wherein the handle bars are attachable to the pair of moving handle stems to allow the handle bars to move together with the seat assembly, wherein the handle bars are attachable to the pair of fixed handle stems to allow the handle bar to be fixed to the base assembly while the seat assembly is moved.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the front base frame and the rear base frame are coupled via a transverse bar, and wherein the seat assembly is rotatable around the transverse bar.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein a collar post is perpendicularly coupled with the transverse bar in a rotatable manner around the transverse bar, and wherein the seat assembly is rotably coupled to the collar post around an axis longitudinally along the collar post.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the leg support assembly includes an upper section and a lower section, the upper section having an upper end and a lower end, the upper section extendably coupled to the lower section at the lower end to allow adjustment of longitudinal length of the leg support assembly, wherein the leg support assembly is affixed to either the seat assembly of the base assembly via the upper end of the upper section.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the seat assembly includes a seat locking bracket to receive the upper end of the upper section of the leg support assembly and wherein the seat assembly and the leg support assembly is longitudinally aligned when detachably affixed via the locking bracket.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the front base frame includes a base locking bracket to receive the upper end of the upper section of the leg support assembly for detachably affixing the leg support assembly to the base assembly.
 10. An exercise machine comprising: a swivel joint assembly having a collar post perpendicularly coupled with a transverse bar in a rotatable manner around the transverse bar; a base assembly having a front base frame and a rear base frame, the front base frame and the rear base frame are pivotally coupled with each other via the transverse bar of the swivel joint assembly; a seat assembly rotationally attached to a top end of the collar post, the collar post to provide an axial channel to allow rotational movement of the seat assembly around the axial channel; a leg support assembly detachably affixed to either the front base frame or the seat assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the leg support assembly or separately from the leg support assembly; and handle bars detachably affixed to either the seat assembly or the base assembly to allow the seat assembly to move together with the handle assembly or separately from the handle assembly, wherein a user seated on the seat assembly can cause movement of the seat assembly for muscle exercises. 